What Does the Toastmasters Vice President Public Relations (VPPR) Do?
- Lucy Ebbitt
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Behind every thriving Toastmasters club is a team of dedicated volunteers who help the club grow and succeed. One of the most creative and outward-facing roles on the committee is the Vice President Public Relations (VPPR).
At Headingley Speakers, the VPPR is responsible for promoting the club, sharing its successes, and helping new people discover everything Toastmasters has to offer. Whether it's writing blog posts, managing social media, or publicising upcoming events, the VPPR helps tell the club's story.
If the Vice President Membership focuses on welcoming new members, the Vice President Public Relations focuses on making sure people know the club exists in the first place.
The VPPR Is the Club's Voice
The Vice President Public Relations is responsible for managing the club's public image and communications.
Their goal is to showcase what makes the club special, celebrate member achievements, and encourage prospective guests to attend a meeting.
A successful VPPR helps answer questions such as:
How can we reach more people in our local community?
How do we showcase the benefits of Toastmasters?
How can we celebrate our members' achievements?
What content will encourage someone to visit the club?
It's a role that combines creativity with communication.
Key Responsibilities
Promote the Club
One of the VPPR's main responsibilities is making people aware of the club.
This may include:
Promoting upcoming meetings
Advertising open house events
Sharing information about speech contests
Encouraging guests to visit
By helping the club remain visible, the VPPR supports its continued growth.
Manage the Club's Social Media
Many people discover Toastmasters through social media, making it one of the VPPR's most important responsibilities.
They may create content for platforms such as:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Posts might include meeting highlights, member achievements, public speaking tips, or reminders about upcoming events.
Regular, engaging content helps keep both members and prospective guests connected with the club.
Write Blog Posts and Newsletters
The VPPR often creates written content that educates, informs, and inspires.
This could include articles about:
Public speaking techniques
Toastmasters meeting roles
Member success stories
Leadership skills
Upcoming club activities
These resources help demonstrate the value of Toastmasters while providing useful information for readers.
Celebrate Member Achievements
Toastmasters is built on personal growth, and it's important to recognise members as they reach new milestones.
The VPPR may highlight:
Pathways completions
Speech contest successes
Committee appointments
Educational awards
Personal achievements inside and outside the club
Celebrating success helps build a positive club culture and motivates others to continue progressing.
Maintain the Club's Public Presence
Depending on the club, the VPPR may also:
Update the club website
Produce promotional materials
Create posters or flyers
Respond to enquiries through social media or email
Ensure club information is accurate and up to date
A consistent and professional public presence helps create a positive first impression.
What the VPPR Does During a Meeting
Unlike some committee roles, much of the VPPR's work happens before and after meetings. However, during meetings they may:
Welcome guests and answer questions
Take photographs (with permission) for future promotional content
Gather stories and achievements to share online
Make announcements about upcoming events
Encourage members to contribute ideas for publicity
Every meeting provides new opportunities to showcase the club.
What Makes an Effective VPPR?
The best Vice President Public Relations enjoys communicating with people and finding creative ways to share the club's story.
Useful qualities include:
Creativity: Finding fresh and engaging ways to promote the club helps keep content interesting.
Communication Skills: Whether writing a blog post or creating a social media update, clear communication is essential.
Organisation: Planning content and keeping information up to date requires consistency.
Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for the club shines through in everything the VPPR shares.
Attention to Detail: Accurate event information, clear messaging, and professional presentation all contribute to a strong public image.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
If people regularly hear about the club, guests know what to expect before attending, and members enjoy seeing their achievements celebrated, the VPPR is doing an excellent job.
Success isn't measured by the number of posts published, but by how effectively the club's message reaches and inspires others.
Why Members Benefit from Serving as VPPR
Taking on the Vice President Public Relations role develops valuable skills, including:
Marketing and promotion
Content writing
Social media management
Public relations
Branding and communication
Creative planning
Leadership within a volunteer organisation
These are highly transferable skills that are valuable in many careers and community organisations.
The Headingley Speakers Perspective
At Headingley Speakers, the Vice President Public Relations helps connect our club with the wider community. Through engaging content, thoughtful communication, and celebrating the achievements of our members, the VPPR plays an important role in helping the club continue to grow.
Whether it's welcoming a first-time guest through an inspiring social media post or sharing the success of a member who has completed a Pathways level, the VPPR helps ensure that the story of Headingley Speakers reaches far beyond our Monday evening meetings.
In short, the Vice President Public Relations is more than the club's marketer—they are its storyteller, helping others discover the confidence, friendship, and personal growth that Toastmasters can offer.
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